1028Σ
Rolex
Ref. 11659912SA
Cosmograph Daytona
A very fine, rare and superb white gold, diamond and sapphire-set chronograph wristwatch with blue enamel Roman indexes, guarantee and presentation box
- Estimate
- HK$390,000 - 700,000€45,700 - 81,900$50,000 - 89,700
HK$889,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 2001
- Reference No
- 11659912SA
- Case No
- K594’290
- Model Name
- Cosmograph Daytona
- Material
- 18K white gold, diamond and sapphire
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 4130, 44 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Crocodile
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K white gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “CL” and “24650”
- Dimensions
- 40mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Amsterdam dated 16th April 2005, service invoice dated 11th October 2022, green card holder, presentation box and outer packaging.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has undoubtedly become one of the most iconic timepieces in the world of horology since its introduction in 1963. While traditionally manufactured in stainless steel, Rolex has also produced variants in gold cases, as well as rare examples with gem-setting, particularly during the 1980s.
However, the true emergence of serially produced diamond-set Daytonas came with the launch of the Zenith El Primero-based reference 16520 series. This marked a significant shift, as Rolex, renowned for its robust and stainless steel sports watches, began to cater to VIP collectors with more extravagant and gem-set options.
The Daytona ref. 11659912SA showcases this opulent side of their chronograph lineage. Encased in a sleek white gold case, the bezel is adorned with 48 baguette-cut diamonds, along with 12 sapphire hour markers – hence the "12SA" in the reference number. This stunning gem-setting is further complemented by a fully pavéd diamond dial with blue enamel crown and Roman numerals, which beautifully corresponds to the sapphires on the bezel. Completing the overall glamorous appearance, the watch features diamond-set endlinks which extended the elegance from the dial and bezel.
Preserved in excellent overall condition and accompanied by its full set of certificate and presentation box, and having been serviced by Rolex in October 2022, this exceptional timepiece offers a distinguished and rare opportunity for discerning collectors to own an off-catalogue Daytona from Rolex.
However, the true emergence of serially produced diamond-set Daytonas came with the launch of the Zenith El Primero-based reference 16520 series. This marked a significant shift, as Rolex, renowned for its robust and stainless steel sports watches, began to cater to VIP collectors with more extravagant and gem-set options.
The Daytona ref. 11659912SA showcases this opulent side of their chronograph lineage. Encased in a sleek white gold case, the bezel is adorned with 48 baguette-cut diamonds, along with 12 sapphire hour markers – hence the "12SA" in the reference number. This stunning gem-setting is further complemented by a fully pavéd diamond dial with blue enamel crown and Roman numerals, which beautifully corresponds to the sapphires on the bezel. Completing the overall glamorous appearance, the watch features diamond-set endlinks which extended the elegance from the dial and bezel.
Preserved in excellent overall condition and accompanied by its full set of certificate and presentation box, and having been serviced by Rolex in October 2022, this exceptional timepiece offers a distinguished and rare opportunity for discerning collectors to own an off-catalogue Daytona from Rolex.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
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